There are many quotes about innovation and how it is fostered. I have several hanging in my office. We recently looked to these as we were deciding the name for our new breakfast series. Our brainstorming kept coming back to the concept that ideas are the beginning - they create the "spark" that fuels innovation. Good ideas... bad ideas... ideas that need time to marinate... etc. It seems undeniable (and simplistic to say) that innovation begins with ideas. Too often we don't give ourselves space and time to explore ideas for the sake of exploring ideas. If we did, what might "spark"?
The Innovation District is launching a new breakfast series called Morning Sparks: Innovation X-change. This series will be the opportunity to explore emerging technologies and concepts, learn about District partners' related efforts and engage in thoughtful (and hopefully spirited) discussions about the future.
We are looking forward to seeing what "sparks" at our first Morning Sparks on April 24th. For more details click here.
Have a great spring!
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
Not so long ago, talent and innovation blossomed in an area just south of Downtown St. Petersburg. City officials and community partners wanted to leverage the capabilities of key institutions—USF St. Petersburg, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and the Poynter Institute, to name a few. The point was to foster collaboration and show our initiatives to the world.
We will host another Trolley Tour and Happy Hour on Friday, June 13th. You will board a trolley with other Innovation District partners and learn about the history and future plans for the area. This tour will feature stops at Albert Whitted Airport, Florida Institute of Oceanography, and The Dalí Museum. The tour will conclude back at the Hub with a networking happy hour.
April’s Tech X-change was a hit, thanks to an engaging presentation from Digital Twin Marine. Shoutout to all the Eckerd College students who joined us! The audience was curious and interactive, asking great questions and eager to try out the virtual reality headset.